Celtic Christmas Wonder: A Magical Rendition of 'What Child Is This'
Are you tired of the same old Christmas songs every year? Do you want to hear something new and refreshing this holiday season? Then look no further than the Celtic Christmas rendition of What Child Is This.
If you're not familiar with Celtic music, it's a genre that originated in Scotland, Ireland, and Wales and is characterized by its lively rhythms, catchy melodies, and use of traditional instruments like the fiddle and bagpipes.
Now imagine that sound paired with the classic Christmas carol, What Child Is This. It's a match made in heaven. The Celtic twist brings new life to this beloved song, making it feel both familiar and exciting at the same time.
And if you're worried about not understanding the lyrics with the added Celtic flair, don't be. The melody and words remain unchanged, so you can still sing along to the verses you know by heart.
But why stop at just listening to this version of What Child Is This when you can incorporate Celtic traditions into your entire holiday celebration?
For example, you could add some authentic Scottish shortbread to your cookie tray or try your hand at making Irish soda bread. And instead of hanging generic ornaments on your tree, adorn it with kilts, tartans, and other Celtic-inspired decorations.
By incorporating Celtic elements into your holiday festivities, you'll give your celebrations a unique and memorable twist. Plus, it's a great opportunity to learn about a different culture and honor your own heritage (if you have Celtic roots).
So, what are you waiting for? Get into the holiday spirit with the captivating sounds of Celtic Christmas and embrace the traditions of another culture.
If you're not sure where to start, check out some of the many Celtic Christmas albums available online or on streaming services. You might also want to look for local Celtic music events or dances in your area.
And if you're feeling adventurous, why not try hosting a Celtic-themed Christmas party? Encourage your guests to wear kilts and tartans, serve traditional Celtic dishes, and play games like ceilidh dancing or the Celtic knot game. It's sure to be a hit!
Don't let another holiday season go by without experiencing the magic of Celtic Christmas. You won't regret it.
"Celtic Christmas What Child Is This" ~ bbaz
Introduction
Christmas is one of the most beloved holidays celebrated in many parts of the world. While the celebrations may be different depending on the culture and traditions, the essence of Christmas remains the same - bringing joy, hope, and love to everyone.One of the most celebrated and unique Christmas traditions is the Celtic Christmas. This celebration is heavily influenced by the Celtic culture and history, which has made it a favorite among many people.Among the many things that make Celtic Christmas unique is the music. One of the songs commonly sung during this celebration is What Child Is This. In this article, we will explore the origin of this song and why it has become an important part of Celtic Christmas.The Origins of What Child Is This
The origin of What Child Is This can be traced back to the early 16th century in England. It is believed that the lyrics were written by William Chatterton Dix in 1865. At that time, Dix was recovering from a severe illness when he wrote the words of the song as a poem titled The Manger Throne.The melody of What Child Is This, on the other hand, comes from the traditional English folk song Greensleeves, which dates back to the Elizabethan era. The melody and lyrics were put together in 1871, and the song became a classic Christmas carol.The Importance of What Child Is This in Celtic Christmas
In Celtic Christmas, What Child Is This takes on a special meaning. The song speaks of the birth of Jesus Christ, who is seen as a light of hope in the darkness. The lyrics of the song also describe the humble birth of Jesus in a manger and his eventual crucifixion, death, and resurrection.For the Celts, who have a deep connection with nature, the birth of Jesus is seen as a momentous event that marks the beginning of a new cycle of life. This is why What Child Is This is an essential part of the Celtic Christmas celebration.The Celtic Musical Influence on What Child Is This
Celtic music has a distinct sound and style that has influenced many musicians around the world. It is characterized by the use of traditional instruments such as harps, flutes, fiddles, and whistles.When What Child Is This is performed at Celtic Christmas, it is often accompanied by Celtic music, which adds a unique flavor to the song. The use of Celtic instruments and melodies gives the song a distinctive sound that sets it apart from traditional renditions.The Harp
The harp is one of the most iconic instruments in Celtic music. Its soothing sound is often associated with calmness and tranquility. When used in What Child Is This, the harp creates a beautiful background that enhances the vocals and adds depth to the song.The Fiddle
The fiddle is another common instrument in Celtic music. It is known for its lively and upbeat sound, which brings energy and excitement to any performance. When played in What Child Is This, the fiddle gives the song a joyful and celebratory feel.The Spirit of Giving
Christmas is a time for giving and sharing. In Celtic Christmas, the spirit of giving is central to the celebration. It is not just about exchanging gifts but also about caring for one another and spreading joy and love.When What Child Is This is sung at Celtic Christmas, it serves as a reminder of the message of hope and love that Christmas brings. The lyrics urge listeners to recognize the importance of the birth of Christ, who came into the world not to condemn but to save.Conclusion
Celtic Christmas is a celebration that has captured the hearts of many people around the world. It is a time to honor the traditions and history of the Celts, who have contributed so much to the rich cultural heritage of our world.What Child Is This is an example of how music can bring people together and give voice to the message of hope, peace, and love. Whether sung in a traditional rendition, or accompanied by Celtic music, this song will continue to inspire and enchant generations to come.Celtic Christmas: What Child Is This - A Comparison
Introduction
Celtic music has always been associated with the festive season and Celtic Christmas albums have become increasingly popular in recent years. One of the most iconic songs is What Child Is This, which has been reimagined by many Celtic artists over the years. In this blog article, we will compare two Celtic versions of What Child Is This and explore the varying styles and elements they employ.Version 1: Celtic Woman
Celtic Woman's version of What Child Is This was released on their album A Christmas Celebration in 2006. As one of the biggest names in Celtic music, this version is a classic example of their style. The arrangement features a full orchestra, harp, and choir, creating a grandiose and traditional sound. The opening is dramatic and features strings and brass, bringing a sense of anticipation to the song.The vocals are led by Chloe Agnew, whose strong and emotive voice perfectly suits the dramatic arrangement. The tempo of this version is slower than traditional renditions, emphasizing the haunting melody and lyrics of the song. The use of a choir adds to the grandeur of the song and creates a sense of community, fitting for a Christmas song. However, this version may be too grand and elaborate for those looking for a more stripped-back Celtic style.
Keywords: orchestra, grandiose, vocal, tempo, choir
Version 2: Enya
Enya's version of What Child Is This is included on her album And Winter Came... released in 2008. Unlike Celtic Woman's version, this arrangement is more minimalistic, featuring only a piano, harp, and Enya's signature layered vocals. The opening is soft and peaceful, featuring only a harp, creating a sense of calm and serenity.Enya's vocals are airy and ethereal, adding to the serene atmosphere of the song. The tempo of this version is similar to traditional renditions, allowing the melody to shine through. The use of piano as the primary instrument creates a more intimate feel to the song, making it a perfect choice for a cozy Christmas evening at home. However, some may find the lack of instrumentation too sparse.
Keywords: minimalistic, piano, vocals, tempo, intimate
Comparison Table
| Celtic Woman | Enya | |
| Arrangement | Full orchestra, harp, choir | Piano, harp, layered vocals |
| Tempo | Slow | Similar to traditional renditions |
| Vocals | Strong and emotive | Airy and ethereal |
| Mood | Grandiose | Intimate |
Conclusion
Both Celtic Woman and Enya offer unique and beautiful versions of What Child Is This. While Celtic Woman's version is grand and dramatic, Enya's version provides a more tender and intimate experience. The choice of which version to listen to ultimately comes down to personal taste and mood. Both versions are perfect for creating a cozy Christmas atmosphere, and with the addition of Celtic instruments and vocals, they offer a unique take on this classic Christmas song.The Joyous Celebration of Celtic Christmas: What Child Is This
Introduction
One of the most wonderful aspects of Christmas is discovering the wide array of festive traditions that are celebrated all around the world. In Ireland, Scotland and various other Celtic regions it’s particularly popular to enjoy the wonderful tunes of Celtic Christmas music, such as the enchanting “What Child Is This”. This timeless classic is a rendition of a Christmas carol created by William Chatterton Dix in 1865, which sounds all the more magical and mystical when given a Celtic flair.Understanding Celtic Christmas Music
Celtic music is one of the world's most ubiquitous forms of traditional music, with its roots firmly planted throughout the Irish, Scottish and Welsh cultures. It’s often played on unique musical instruments like pipes, harps and fiddles, and typically has an upbeat or lively rhythm. Celtic Christmas music is the ultimate festive celebration of all things Celtic and Christmassy, and can range from cheerful jigs to religious hymns in honor of the holiday season.What Child Is This
“What Child Is This” is a beautifully crafted Christmas carol, which tells the story of the birth of Jesus Christ. It’s a moving and powerful song, and it truly captures the essence of the holiday season. Thanks to the incredible musical talents of numerous Celtic bands and artists, people of all ages can enjoy the song’s mystical beauty while also embracing Celtic traditions.Why Listen to What Child Is This
Listening to “What Child Is This” is a perfect way for Christian fans of Irish and Scottish music to elevate their appreciation for the holiday season. The song’s unique Celtic influences help create a truly inspiring and uplifting atmosphere; perfect for singing along with friends and family during the holidays. Plus, it’s great for those who prefer music with a historical or cultural significance, providing listeners a unique insight into the lives and traditions of people all around the world.How to Listen to What Child Is This
There are many ways to listen to “What Child Is This”. You can turn on traditional radio stations that play Celtic Christmas music during the holiday season, you can seek out digital playlists or even purchase physical CDs from retail stores. Additionally, there are numerous online streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube that have endless options for those looking to embrace traditional Celtic Christmas music in its full glory.Finding the Best Version of What Child Is This
When it comes to finding the perfect version of “What Child Is This” for your tastes, one option is to look for your favorite Celtic bands and artists, and see if they have recorded their own version. Another great approach is to listen to various versions from different artists and compare them to find the one that resonates with you the most.Final Thoughts
Irish and Scottish cultures are steeped in tradition, and their unique perspectives on Christmas carols and music have made a profound impact on the holiday season for many people. “What Child Is This” is just one example of how Celtic music has celebrated the magic and spirituality of the season. Whether you're spending time with loved ones, attending concerts or just sitting back listening to holiday music, there's nothing quite like the joyous celebration of this wonderful time of year.Celtic Christmas: What Child Is This? Celebrating the Holidays with Unique Flavors
The blustery winds of winter usher in a unique flavor of holiday season celebrating worldwide. Most regions have their distinct holiday traditions, and Celtic countries celebrate Christmas superbly. The people of Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, and the Isle of Man celebrate holidays with distinctive fervor, festivities, and famous Gaelic melodies.
Christmas in Celtic Countries is an enchanting blend of age-old customs and pagan rituals. In ancient times, Celtic people celebrated their Mid-Winter Festival with religious zeal and enthusiasm. Today, people in Celtic countries cherish their ancient roots by integrating various traditional customs into Christmas celebrations. It's a magical and enchanting time of the year, and the one single unifying figure across cultures is the baby Jesus in the manger.
The charming rendition of What Child Is This has become a Christmas favorite worldwide. The respective country instrumentalizes What Child Is This with timeless Celtic tunes holding grandeur, mysticism and soulful melody.
The Scots call it Greensleeves. They use the iconic tune from 1580 - historically written for King Henry the Eighth. It's the familiar tune for What Child is This that gained massive popularity around the world. In Scotland, Greensleeves is played on Scottish bagpipes that lend Christmas flair to the classic song.
In Ireland, bagpipes are called uilléann pipes. It's a softer-toned instrument compared to the Scottish bagpipes. It plays a special edition version known as the Wexford Carol. Musicians accompany the Uillean pipe's tunes with mouth harps, fiddles, whatever, and anything they can get their hands on to add more flavor to the enticing sound.
In Wales, the What Child Is This song is called Calon Lan. It's an old Welsh tune dated around 1800. The lovely Welsh language lyrics add a poetic element to the song. Calon Lân translates into A Pure Heart. It was an influential Welsh Hymn while Christmas carol adaptation made its inroads soon after its debut.
The Cornish have a language of their own distinct from other Celtic nations. The Cornish call the world-renowned melody Carolaire Rag Na Nollag. It has been part of Cornwall's rich musical heritage since the 19th century.
In the Isle of Man, What Child Is This is popularly known as She Came In Through The Window, in keeping with the traditions and dialects of Manx Gaelic. The distinctive sound that accompanies the song is played on the delightful instrument they call gorse fiddle.
Celtic Countries have nurtured tremendous talent over the decades. They are home to amazing music acts who gained fame and glory worldwide. The awe-inspiring rendition of What Child Is This from different regions, humbly yet extravagantly, adds special holiday cheer. Every performance stirs long-dormant emotions unique to each region's long-lost demographic past, reminding everyone what makes each tradition valuable.
Celtic countries are endowed with some of the best and oldest Christmas Markets. But in this new age of technology and social distancing. You can browse through online shopping markets offering unique food, and quirky and delightful handmade items you might never find anywhere else.
In conclusion, we've talked about how Celtic countries celebrate Christmas, their supernal, stirring renditions of What Child Is This on timeless instruments. We've also touched upon their traditional food and online shopping markets. Whatever your inclination may be, we hope you cherish and enjoy the unique flavor of the Celtic Christmas season. May all your days be merry and bright and may you have a Happy Christmas and a great New Year.
Until we meet again on another enchanting journey via this blog - Keep Warm, Keep Safe, and Keep Joyful!
People also ask about Celtic Christmas What Child Is This
What is a Celtic Christmas?
A Celtic Christmas is a celebration of the holiday season that is influenced by traditional Irish, Scottish, Welsh, and other Celtic music and culture. It typically includes music, dancing, food, and decorations that have a Celtic flair.
What kind of music is played during a Celtic Christmas?
During a Celtic Christmas, traditional Celtic music is played, which may include jigs, reels, and ballads. Many of these songs relate to Christmas themes, such as the birth of Jesus and the winter season. The music is often played using instruments such as fiddles, harps, bodhráns (drums), and pipes.
What Child Is This in Celtic style?
What Child Is This is a popular Christmas carol that has been recorded in many different styles, including Celtic. In a Celtic version, the song may be played using traditional Celtic instruments and with a faster tempo than the original.
What are some traditional Celtic Christmas decorations?
Some traditional Celtic Christmas decorations include holly, ivy, and mistletoe, which were believed to ward off evil spirits during the winter months. Other common decorations include candles, wreaths, and ornaments made from natural materials like wood and copper.
What are some traditional Celtic Christmas foods?
Many traditional Irish foods are served during a Celtic Christmas, such as soda bread, Irish stew, and colcannon (a dish made from mashed potatoes and kale or cabbage). Other foods may include roasted meats, root vegetables, and sweet treats like Christmas pudding and mince pies.
- A Celtic Christmas is a celebration of the holiday season influenced by traditional Irish, Scottish, Welsh, and other Celtic music and culture.
- During a Celtic Christmas, traditional Celtic music is played, which includes jigs, reels, and ballads.
- In a Celtic version, What Child Is This may be played using traditional Celtic instruments and with a faster tempo than the original.
- Traditional Celtic Christmas decorations include holly, ivy, mistletoe, candles, wreaths, and ornaments made from natural materials.
- Traditional Celtic Christmas foods include soda bread, Irish stew, colcannon, roasted meats, root vegetables, and sweet treats like Christmas pudding and mince pies.